Terri Farley is the author of the wildly popular Phantom Stallion series, which has sold one million copies. For her new series, Wild Horse Island, Terri volunteered on a horse ranch in Hawaii for three weeks. After much coaxing, she returned to her husband in Verdi, Nevada, where she lives and writes.

First Chapter

Chapter One

Overhead, two wild geese split off from a ragged vee of birds winging south.

As their flock flew on, the pair turned back, swooping low enough that Samantha Forster heard the silken rush of feathers and saw the glitter of dark eyes studying her.

A dome of blue sky arched over River Bend Ranch. Underfoot, a few shoots of grass ventured through dirt dark from melting snow.

There was a moment of silence from the squadron of construction workers hammering as fast as they could to rebuild the barn while the sunny weather lasted. With permission from Dad, they'd arrived just as the sun was rising. Since six A.M., this was the first time they'd quit pounding.

In the quiet, Sam could hear the La Charla River dashing under the bridge, gurgling over rocks frosted with morning ice.

Northern Nevada was still making up its mind about springtime, but Sam knew it had arrived.

"Samantha, did you hear me?" Dad's stern voice made it clear he knew she hadn't.

"Sorry, what?" Sam felt as if she'd come plummeting back down to earth.

Dad and Brynna sat on their horses, ready to ride out. For a minute, she'd forgotten all about them.

"Honey," Dad said, "that's just what I'm talking about."

What was just what he'd been talking about? Sam tried not to look guilty.

"You've got permission to walk the buckskin and to ride Ace. That's it. Don't take it into your head to give Popcorn a try."

"I wasn't --"

Dad held out a hand to keep her from interrupting and Sam wondered how he'd turned into a mind reader. She'd heard Brynna, her new stepmother, talking about getting a rider up on Popcorn pretty soon. Sam wanted to be the first this spring, but she hadn't uttered a word about it to anyone.

"I've seen you eyeing him, Sam. You're not up to it yet." Dad's words stung, even though she knew it was true. "I want to be sure you're clear about this before I go. You're forbidden to mount him unless someone is watching over you. Spring fever can be a dangerous thing."

"I get it," Sam said. For a second, Dad looked like he might mention her tone. Again. But Brynna spoke up.

"She understands, Wyatt," Brynna said.

"Okay," Dad said. He relaxed in the saddle and Strawberry's ears pricked forward, sensing they were about to go. "We're gonna check out the graze in the spring pasture and decide when to move the cattle. We'll probably be a couple hours."

He and Brynna rode out at a trot. Within seconds, their laughter flowed back to Sam. They probably weren't laughing about her, but Dad's criticism still hurt.

You're not up to it yet. She'd only been back on the ranch for about nine months. And she had taken her share of spills. But why did Dad have to rub it in?

She'd find a way to show him she wasn't the worst rider in northern Nevada. But how?

The sudden thunder of nearby hooves made Sam turn back toward the ten-acre pasture.

Nike, red mane streaming as he paced along the fence, had spotted the halter in her hand. He stopped and tossed his head, attracting the attention of other horses. Tank, the big bald-faced bay, joined Nike. Soon Amigo and Buff jostled each other in excitement.

Behind her, Ace and Sweetheart created a commotion inside the round pen. The high-sided corral had been their home since an earthquake destroyed the old portion of the barn and their attached corrals.

The horses had adapted to the pen, but they missed the open view they'd had of the ranch. Now they spent their days peeking between the fence rails.

The two horses had snorted a greeting when Sam had passed by on her way to the damaged tack room to get Dark Sunshine's halter. They'd been patient when she'd walked by without stopping for them. But now that it looked like she might be leaving with another horse, they neighed in protest.

"It's okay, boy," she called to Ace, letting him know he wasn't forgotten.

The long minutes Ace had been trapped in the fallen barn had reminded Sam how much she loved her little bay mustang.

"Jen will be here soon and then I'll get you out of there." In the bad weather, most ranch work had been done from a pickup truck instead of on horseback. These were working horses and their vacation had left them full of energy.

In the pasture, Buff lifted his furry brown body into a half rear. The others shifted to give him space, but their ears remained pricked forward and their eyes watched Sam.

"You'd think I had a bucket of oats instead of a halter," Sam told Blaze.

The Border collie pranced beside her, tail waving, mouth open, as he escorted her to the pasture.

Popcorn finished rolling in the mud, heaved himself to his feet, and shook. His white coat was wet and smeared with brown. He'd noticed he was missing something and trotted to join the others by the fence.

Only one horse hung back.

Dark Sunshine ignored the saddle horses' excitement and stared toward the Calico Mountains. She turned one ear to catch Sam's boot steps, but her head stayed high, her attention focused.

"The only horse on the place who isn't fascinated," Sam told Blaze, "is the one I need to catch."

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A great book!

Red-Feathered Filly is one of my favorite books in the series. I enjoyed it because it focuses of Sam and Jake's friendship.I just love it that they are friendly enemies yet they trust each other. Jake really shows another side, as other reviewers have said, and he learns more about his heritage. For me, a girl who dreams about riding a horse, this series really puts me on the saddle with Sam as she has her numerous adventures. Terri Farley is an amazing writer. This book gets two thumbs up from me!

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted July 1, 2012

Amazing!

An amazing book! It really tells alot more about jake. It is defeinetly a must read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted April 10, 2011

awesome

this book from the seiries is great just like all the other ones love it!!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted March 18, 2007

This is one of the best books!!!

I thought this book was superb! it really got into Jake's Native American heratige and why its so important to value what backround you come from. I thought it was cool how they planned to get Star Shower(is that a cool name or what?) tamed and get her to trust Jake and Sam even though she was hurt by a horse breaker. I think this book showed a different side to Jake than just his quiet, shy self. It showed that he really cares for horses and how good he is with them once he earnes their trust.Sam should take lessons from him!just kidding.lol.anyway, this book was great and i love all the horses and characters!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted July 4, 2006

THE BEST BOOK IN THE SERIES!!!

This is book is my favorite. It is by far my favorite book in the series. This book has quite a bit of conflict and humor between Sam and Jake. I would recommend this book to anyone.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted July 29, 2014

Deputy app.

Gender Female. Age 25. Looks Charcoal gray fur and saphirre blue eyes. Rped For Five years. Activness 100% and more!!!!!! I love a true to the books clan and am wanting a apprentice. Will lead great when under pressure and is a loving mate.

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Anonymous

Posted July 28, 2014

A small kit

Walked in. She is a silver cat with a white nose and dark silver spots. Blue eyes.

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Anonymous

Posted July 28, 2014

Deputy application

Name BirchrootAge29 moonsRped for3 yearsOther loves to train apprentices good hunter and fighter natural leader loyal and likes to be organizedActivness 10

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Deputy application - willowheart

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Anonymous

Posted July 23, 2014

Deputy application

NameAgeRped for how longOther rpActiveness on a scalenof 1-10

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Anonymous

Posted July 1, 2014

Domino

I would like to join...

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Anonymous

Posted July 1, 2014

&betar&iotag&lambda&tauC|&alpha&eta

We Are BrightClan<p>The Territory~<br>BrightClan territory is a southern hardwood forest intermingled with spruces and pines. Tall, rocky mountains back their territory. If you can't get a good picture, think the Appalachians.<p>The Personality~<br>Now every cat has a different personality, but most BrightClan cats are smart, loyal, and fierce-clawed.<p>The Strengths~<br>BrightClan cats are excellent at stalking forest prey, but not so much as moor creatures. Neither are they good at fishing, but a select few like water on their paws. They are lithe-bodied with long legs built for leaping and winding through forest floor and canopy. Despite the slim look of their legs, they are actually packed with hard muscles able to pull them into trees with the agility of a squirrel.<p>The Weaknesses~<br>Most BrightClan cats are bad swimmers, being too thin-bodied to fight the current. They are also better at open combat than combat in an enclosed area.<p>The Rules~<br>For following leaders: You must be active for BrightClan. If you are not on in a week without explained absense, then the deputy will become leader. That does not mean you can just check in once a week. That will get you unseated, too. If you return from your absense with a valid explanation, then the deputy will step down and you will resume command. But, be warned, if this happens a second time, the deputy does not have to step down. You will restart as an average warrior.<br>For the medicine cat: it will be expected that you know all of the herbs. What applies for the leader about absenses applies for the medicine cat, too.<br>There must constantly be at least 3 elders in the clan. If there are not 3, be one. It can actually be fun.<br>And to mentors: with an apprentice comes a responsibility. The leader will be monitoring how active you are. If you are not active, you will not get an apprentice. If you have an unexplained absense for more than a week, your apprentice will be given another mentor.<br>All warriors must follow the Warrior code at all times.<br>No unrealistic pelts/names. And abdolutely no powers or wings of any kind.<br>You must have good grammar. If you do not, at least put an effort forwarth to improve it.<br>You may not ignore someone unless the leader, or if the leader is not there, the deputy tells you to.<br>Only 3 kits will be taken in per week. You may not go to orphanages and take kits and bring them to BrightClan.<br>Do not come to camp fatally wounded or a giant evil wolf trailing you. It is better just to come as yourself, perfectly safe.<br>Do not make a mysterious cat or fox, badger, wolf attack camp. Some form of fighting entertainment will be provided.<br>Only warriors cussing like foxdung, foxheart, mousebrain, etc...<br>And lastly, it's a no-brainer, no fudgin godmodding people...

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Anonymous

Posted August 29, 2013

Orionpaw

Nodded in agreement.~Orion

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Anonymous

Posted August 28, 2013

Jaguartooth

He nudged Orionpaw. "Let:s get back to camp."

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Anonymous

Posted February 1, 2013

Same here fancy's owner

Except i tamed my wild mustang alone and he is still a stallion i have a bpnd with him that no one will ever figure out how it happened for the phantoms sake i dont even know how it happened but i undrstan that he thinks of s as equeals excuse my spellin

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Anonymous

Posted December 9, 2012

Hi

Havent read it yet but ive read all of the other books and i LOVE them

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Anonymous

Posted April 17, 2012

Awsome

Must read

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Anonymous

Posted April 5, 2012

Bramblepaw

Its because..... i think if u say something inappropriate which i didny theylock u out. And servaljimp.... u kniw how i was boulderstar right? And how his spirit lives on in me? Well.... his spirit and mine both think we should give you something for being my mentor. And we both think i should give you a blue lobster necklace like mine. Will you accept it? Its alrightif you dont because you think wearpint necklaces is weird. It is just that i love my blue lobster necklave..... as mich as...... i love you. <3(that is a texting heart.l)

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted January 15, 2012

Darkspots to Venuskit

Thx we really need u here

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted July 14, 2006

Im just another cowgirl that loves horses!!!

I loved this book you know with my daddys help i tamed a wild mustang her name is fancy she is the the best horse i have ever owned and we have this bond that no one else has with her and its amazeing!!

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